What Does “Keep at sth” Mean?
“Keep at sth” means to continue working hard or persistently on something, especially when it is difficult.
Introduction
The phrase “keep at sth” is a common phrasal verb in English that means to persist or continue doing something despite challenges. It encourages staying focused and not giving up on a task or goal. Understanding the keep at sth meaning helps learners express determination and perseverance in various situations. This phrase is useful in both formal and informal contexts, making it an important part of everyday English. Whether you are learning a new skill, working on a project, or trying to improve in a hobby, knowing how to use “keep at sth” correctly adds clarity and motivation to your communication.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: keep at something (keep at sth)
- Type: transitive
- Level: B1 (Intermediate)
- Short meaning: to continue working hard on something
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Keep at sth” is an inseparable phrasal verb, meaning you cannot separate the verb and the preposition with the object. The structure is:
- Keep at + noun/gerund
- Examples: keep at the task, keep at working
You cannot say “keep the task at” or “keep working at” with the object in between.
How to Use “Keep at sth”?
Use “keep at sth” when you want to express persistence or continuing effort on a specific activity or task. It highlights determination despite difficulties or slow progress. It often appears in conversations about learning, work, hobbies, or any ongoing challenge.
Examples
Here are some natural examples that show how to use “keep at sth” in a sentence:
- Even though the project was hard, she decided to keep at it until it was done.
- If you keep at your English practice every day, you will improve quickly.
- He kept at the piano lessons, and now he plays beautifully.
- Don’t give up; keep at your exercises to get stronger.
- They kept at the problem until they found a solution.
Common Mistakes
Many learners confuse the word order or use the wrong preposition. Here are some incorrect and correct examples:
- Incorrect: Keep the task at until you finish.
- Correct: Keep at the task until you finish.
- Incorrect: You should keep working at it.
- Correct: You should keep at it.
Remember, “keep at” is followed directly by the object without separating the verb and preposition.
Differences / Synonyms
“Keep at sth” is similar to other phrasal verbs like “stick at sth” and “carry on with sth.” However, there are subtle differences:
- Keep at sth: Focuses on continuous effort, especially when something is challenging.
- Stick at sth: Emphasizes persistence and not giving up.
- Carry on with sth: Means to continue, often without the idea of difficulty.
For example, “keep at your studies” suggests working hard despite challenges, while “carry on with your studies” means simply continuing them.
Common Collocations
“Keep at” is often used with words related to tasks, efforts, or activities. Common collocations include:
- Keep at the task: Continue working on a specific job.
- Keep at the problem: Persist with solving a difficulty.
- Keep at your work: Continue your job or studies.
- Keep at practicing: Continue practicing a skill.
- Keep at learning: Persist in gaining knowledge.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of keep at sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using “keep at sth”:
Anna: I’m struggling to learn French. It feels too hard sometimes.
Ben: Don’t worry. Just keep at it, and you’ll get better every day.
Anna: I will. Thanks for the encouragement!
Practice
Complete the sentence with the correct form of “keep at”:
- If you want to improve your writing skills, you need to _______ it every day.
- She didn’t give up; she _______ the difficult project until it was finished.
Answers: keep at, kept at
FAQs
- What does “keep at sth” mean?
It means to continue working hard and persist with something.
- Is “keep at sth” separable?
No, “keep at sth” is an inseparable phrasal verb.
- Can I use “keep at” with verbs?
Yes, usually with gerunds, like “keep at practicing.”
- What is the difference between “keep at” and “stick at”?
“Keep at” emphasizes continuous effort, while “stick at” focuses on not giving up.
- How do I use “keep at sth” in a sentence?
Use it to show persistence, like “He kept at his studies despite difficulties.”
